English football faces financial crisis, regulator warns

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 20:03 · Archive

The chair of the Independent Football Regulator warns English football must act urgently to address a financial crisis despite generating £9billion in revenue.

The Independent Football Regulator published its draft 'State of the Game' report on Tuesday, warning that English football must 'act before it is too late' to tackle mounting financial dangers. Despite the game generating £9billion in revenue last season, 94 per cent of clubs in the top five divisions recorded losses.

The report identified severe vulnerabilities across the professional pyramid. Thirty-two clubs could not survive more than 30 days without owner funding, while 17 would be loss-making even if their players played for free. Total debt in English football is forecast to rise above £5billion by the end of this season, with net transfer debt at approximately £3.4billion.

IFR chair David Kogan said in the report's foreword that English club football was simultaneously the 'richest, best and most deeply competitive in the world while also standing on the edge of financial disaster'. He highlighted the vulnerability of clubs outside the top flight, noting that while no Premier League club has failed since Portsmouth in 2010, broadcast revenues are predicted to plateau or decline in the next cycle. Kogan warned that clubs must prepare for the possibility that 'the money does reduce'.

How it is being reported

• English football must address cash crisis: regulatorChair David Kogan addressed the threat of 'financial disaster' in the foreword to the draft 'State of the Game' report.Perth Now · 13 Oct, 19:26
• English football must address cash crisis: regulatorChair David Kogan addressed the threat of 'financial disaster' in the foreword to the draft 'State of the Game' report.The West Australian · 13 Oct, 19:26

In this story: Independent Football Regulator · David Kogan · Chelsea · Morgan Rogers · Portsmouth · Premier League

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